Lately, it seems as if tuxedos are becoming less and less formal. They seem to be moving closer and closer to just being suits; however, menswear stores still charge much more for a tux than they do for a suit. If you’re looking for an actual tux, you shouldn’t skimp and go with a very suit-like one. You should know the difference between a tux and a suit so you can decide how formal you want to be. Also, you can decide if the added expense is worth it.
Satin
The biggest difference between tuxedos and suits is satin. A tux features satin in a couple of different places that a suit does not. Typically, a tux has satin lapels the same color as the coat as well as a satin stripe down the leg of the pants. The stripe is also the same color as the pants.
The Fabric Pattern
Traditionally, a tux comes in either cream, dark blue, or black. They don’t really come in other colors, traditionally. These days, they’re available in a bunch of different colors, but those traditional ones are still the most common. More specifically, tuxes do not have patterns on the coat or pants. Suits can come in many different textures, patterns, and colors.
The Waist
Tuxedos in Dallas typically have a satin-trimmed or plain waistband. Most importantly, they do not have belt loops. The pants are typically held up with braces instead of a belt. It’s a little more formal, and it’s also a little more inconvenient.
The Shirt
A tuxedo, unlike a suit, is always worn with a plain white shirt. The shirt has either a pleated or a plain front. The shirt also always features a pointed collar. Suit shirts can have round-neck collars, fancy textures, and various colors. Moreover, a tuxedo shirt always has French cuffs and cufflinks that match the other accessories.
The Accessories
Tuxedo shoes are always black patent leather. They’re not supposed to be any color other than black. They should be paired with a cummerbund and a black bow tie.
All of these features, from the cummerbund to the patent leather shoes, are part of the mystique and the look of a tux. If you don’t want to wear some or all of these things, that’s fine; however, you’re wearing a suit at that point. Many retailers will sell you a suit with a cummerbund or a suit with a tux shirt as if that’s a tux. Wearing a suit to a formal event is definitely fine; however, you shouldn’t be paying more than suit prices for it simply because the employees at a formal wear store call it a tux. You should know what you’re getting.
